Having churned out around some fine 1800 KMs on this two wheeled machine, I now find myself at a great spot to finally review this motorcycle.
Starting with the specifications, it runs through a well built engine vomiting a level of peak power and torque which is the highest in this segment. Yes, its the highest. A whopping 17.63 PS@9250 RPM and industry finest 14.73nM torque@7250 is not something to be messed with. Previously before this RTR update, its heated rival Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 spurted a power of 17.2PS@9000RPM and a torque of 14.6 Nm@7250RPM. So RTR finds its place at the top of 150–160 segment. Plus, its FI engine, BS6 complaint adds to the smoothness in riding as well as revving it.
Well, enough of this paperwork detailing. We all love to read power specifications but the heart finds its way bending towards practicality. So, lets talk in points. First point of riders has always been acceleration, so here it is.
Acceleration — I have driven various bikes in this very segment ranging from FZs, Gixxer, Pulsar to Hero Xtreme etc., the acceleration this machine offers is worth something to be felt. The only bike that holds the capability to match its acceleration is NS 160, rest of them fall down the scale because of their power specifications. Holding the capability of reaching speed of 45kmph in the first gear, its 4 Valve engine helps a great deal in achieving it, but I would recommend not testing it personally because this abuse over a long term degrades the engine. So, acceleration is the finest, enough to feel that adrenaline rush or that RACING DNA.
Top Speed — Various You-tube videos show variable top speeds, entirely dependent on the rider’s weight. For instance — Even if you are near to 90KG or even 100, you can find yourself at a top speed of around 125–130. If you fall under 70 Kgs, you can even churn out 135 or even 140, totally dependent upon environmental conditions as well such as wind drag, weather, pressure etc.
Braking Power — I personally found its braking power good. The front wheels incorporate ABS which is a good safety feature, now a mandatory thing under the latest guidelines. If you consider this machine, and feel comfortable spending an additional 3k, you should go for double disc variant as it is considered good from safety point of view. Rest, all your choice.
Instrument Cluster — The instrument cluster you’ll find in RTR 1604v is entirely digital and the best in the segment, visualizing out good details containing time, total KMs, Trip 1 and 2, Top Speed, 0–60 Acceleration timer. You won’t find gear shift indicator in it. So, according to me, gear shift indicator is a thing meant for novice riders. You would find it useless when you get to know your wheels after some time.
Riding Posture — You sit upright with just a slight bend forward, necessary to add that sporty look and especially to make the rider feel he/she is riding a pretty well sorted RTR out there. It is definitely comfy for even long rides if you take break every 100KMs but is surely not a pain in the back, which is a case with R15(An Excellent Machine though).
Headlights — Its Shin-Chan LED headlights work excellent at night. The range is quite nice and the throw is pretty awesome. However, sometimes, in the highways, you would find it difficult to drive at night. This is a user dependent experience.
Although the main features are covered, but here comes my keynotes that I found worth mentioning here.
The machine is an excellent extension for people, who want to experience the thrill of sportiness, good acceleration, good mileage(around 45–50), pretty decent top speed for the segment. Its good for people who are looking for a commuter but can also handle long highways rides occasionally. Comes with a GTT technology which means it runs on its own after shifting down the gear. No need to accelerate on your part. When I tried it, the 1st gear took out 7km/h, 2nd gear took around 12 km/h, 3rd took around 15–17 km/h. I personally found it useful in Noida Traffic, where you could not use the accelerator and invite the pain on your wrist, instead leave the clutch and the bike would move on its own.
To make the machine scale out in the balance, its does not come with an auto-cutoff sensor for side stand and hazard lights. Trust me guys, you cannot get the benefit of both worlds, lol. But a true disappointment comes when it sometimes shows false neutral. It is not a pain in the ass but when you notice, you notice. The gear shifting is smooth as a cake.
Conclusion — The bike is a wonder from TVS. I love it.( Maybe because I own it :P). When you own it and get to know its the fastest in the segment, your head and heart streamlines single handedly.
Let me know if I left out something. Also, if you want to know something of it, comment down and it’ll be received.